Things to do in Galena

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Galena which includes a city
Galena
Galena showing a river or creek and a park
Galena showing a city
Galena featuring signage

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What to do in Galena

Discover the most popular places to visit in Galena

Galena featuring a house, heritage elements and heritage architecture

Belvedere Mansion

Most of this lavish mansion and its landscaped gardens are open for tours so you can appreciate its glorious Italianate design.

Belvedere Mansion
Grant Home featuring a house and heritage elements

Grant Home

Retrace the daily life of Ulysses S. Grant in his Galena home, where he and his family lived between the Civil War and their move to the White House.

Grant Home
Galena showing heritage elements, military items and fall colors

Grant Park

Enjoy the sun in this small but beautiful park, which is scattered with colorful flowerbeds, historic monuments and shaded picnic areas.

Grant Park
Old Market House featuring a house and heritage elements

Old Market House

Make this historic market building your first stop in Galena. Part welcome center, part museum, it gives you a perfect introduction to the city.

Old Market House
Galena showing heritage elements and a house

Dowling House

Get an authentic look at the past inside this pretty and historic building, the oldest house in the town of Galena and now a captivating museum.

Dowling House
Washburne House Historic Site featuring heritage elements and a house

Washburne House Historic Site

Learn about the fascinating Elihu Washburne, who helped shaped American politics during and after the Civil War, at his stately brick home in Galena.

Washburne House Historic Site
Old Blacksmith Shop

Old Blacksmith Shop

Live demonstrations provide a fascinating experience at this blacksmith shop, with anvils and fire pokers glowing red hot and bending to the might of the hammer.

Old Blacksmith Shop

Eagle Ridge Resort Golf

Enjoy a round of golf in Galena at Eagle Ridge Resort Golf. Wander the riverfront in this relaxing area.

Eagle Ridge Resort Golf

Galena Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Galena at Galena Golf Club. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in the area.

Galena Golf Club

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Galena

On certain cold winter days the bluebirds and waxwings will converge on certain juniper trees to feed on the small berries. On my days off I would drive around looking for the tree that appealed to the birds.

The Galena Territory

4.5/5(40 area reviews)

Though The Galena Territory might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Eagle Ridge Resort Golf and Horseshoe Mound.

The Galena Territory
Galena which includes a city

Galena Historic District

Explore the "outdoor museum of the Victorian Midwest" with unique period architecture, art galleries, and various dining options. Don't miss the Ulysses S. Grant Home and Prospect Street mansions.

Galena Historic District

Popular day trips from Galena

Fourth Street Elevator featuring landscape views and a small town or village

Dubuque

Photo by Richard Remington

Scales Mound

Frequently asked questions

Is Galena worth visiting?
Galena offers an interesting mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or local cuisine, there's a lot here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Galena?
After you've checked off major attractions like Galena Historic District and Belvedere Mansion, spend the rest of your day experiencing the retail and food options in Galena.
What is the top tourist attraction in Galena?
The top tourist attraction in Galena is Galena Historic District, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Galena?
Three days in Galena is more than enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Galena Historic District, Belvedere Mansion and Grant Park are highly rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots like Dubuque.
Is Galena a walkable city?
With top attractions like Galena Historic District in the area, Galena is very much a place to explore on foot. Like to discover some cool neighborhoods a walkable distance from downtown? Galena Historic District is about 0.16 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Galena with kids?
Planning what to do in Galena with kids is easier than ever. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them entertained here.
What to do in Galena for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of nature, there are many things to do in Galena for adults.
Are there free things to do in Galena?
From visiting parks to wandering around vibrant neighborhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Galena. If you're in need of ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Galena Historic District is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their traveling adventures.